This week, the Federal Reserve decided not to raise short-term interest rates, but forecasters are expecting the Fed to boost rates two more times this year after already raising rates by 0.25 percent in December (only the second rate increase in a decade). Plaintiffs considering a structured settlement may be concerned they may [...]

Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (Liberty Life), based in Boston MA, developed its program to begin working with BARCO Assignments, Ltd. (BARCO). BARCO is a Foreign Financial Institution domiciled in St. Michael, Barbados. This exclusive partnership was formed when it was recognized that there are claimants with damages seeking to utilize structured settlements in disputes involving damages other than personal injury and workmen’s compensation. BARCO is not subject to the U.S. tax code and, pursuant to the U.S./Barbados tax treaty, may accept consideration for the assignment of taxable settlements without facing U.S. tax liability.Continue Reading

When someone suffers a minor physical injury and a settlement is reached, the settlement funds offer financial peace of mind until the injured individual can resume normal activities. When a catastrophic injury occurs – requiring medical and personal care – the settlement takes on a more vital role. Settlements must last a lifetime so that the injured individual receives medical treatment and can lead as normal a life as physically and emotionally possible. Each catastrophic-injury case is different, but there are similarities that are the basis for determining the type of structured settlement to create.Continue Reading

Trent Richardson had it all in 2012—third overall pick of the Cleveland Browns and a $20.5 million guaranteed contract. In four short years, he’s out of the NFL and leading a “humbling” life when it comes to his finances. Like many former NFL players who were suddenly flush with cash at the start of their careers, he soon found that friends, family and hangers-on sucked him dry. Continue Reading

When most people think of structured settlements, they think of physically injured individuals, limited or unable to work, who must make their settlement last for years or even a lifetime. While this is true with most structured settlements, there are scenarios where a structured settlement may make sense for non-physically injured individuals - and for the defense. Even when cases do not qualify for tax-exempt status, the tax-deferred and financial planning aspects of the settlements could still make them worthwhile.Continue Reading

Settling a case can be a cumbersome and time-consuming experience for all parties. When the complexities of needs-based public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are added to the structured settlement mix, attorneys must be vigilant to ensure that the settlements they craft comply with all applicable laws while protecting their client’s current and future benefit eligibility. In addition, this is further complicated by dual-eligible clients with Medicaid and Medicare.Continue Reading

Will Lindahl, Executive Director of CPT Special Needs Trusts, provides some clarification on Individual Special Needs Trusts and Pooled Special Needs Trusts. It’s a complex subject and this just scratches the surface, but I thought it might be helpfulContinue Reading

Let’s face it, most Americans are woefully behind in saving for retirement. And it’s not just Millennials who have little money left over to add to their 401(k)s (with loan debt, high housing costs and low wages being the culprits). Baby Boomers and seniors, those who should already have a sizable nest egg, are coming up short.Continue Reading

When a child is injured, parents have much to think about. High on the list is the child’s financial needs during the initial recovery period and beyond for medical, rehabilitation and other experiences.

If there is compensation for the injury, judges often require that the settlement be structured so the best interests of the minor [...]